Jerusalem Delivered by Torquato Tasso
page 143 of 645 (22%)
page 143 of 645 (22%)
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While all her weapons and her darts rehearsed,
Had not Godfredo's constant bosom pierced. LXII To change his modest thought the dame procureth, And proffereth heaps of love's enticing treasure: But as the falcon newly gorged endureth Her keeper lure her oft, but comes at leisure; So he, whom fulness of delight assureth What long repentance comes of love's short pleasure, Her crafts, her arts, herself and all despiseth, So base affections fall, when virtue riseth. LXIII And not one foot his steadfast foot was moved Out of that heavenly path, wherein he paced, Yet thousand wiles and thousand ways she proved, To have that castle fair of goodness raised: She used those looks and smiles that most behoved To melt the frost which his hard heart embraced, And gainst his breast a thousand shot she ventured, Yet was the fort so strong it was not entered. LXIV The dame who thought that one blink of her eye Could make the chastest heart feel love's sweet pain, Oh, how her pride abated was hereby! When all her sleights were void, her crafts were vain, Some other where she would her forces try, Where at more ease she might more vantage gain, |
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